Recommend Parts for Audio Recording Computer

[Mongoo13]

Hello, I have built a computer before with the help of this awesome board and I'm back to do the same for a friend now. I however have lost track with the state of affairs in computer technology and need your help once again to recommend stable adequate parts from todays technology.

We are building a computer to mainly serve as a Audio Multi track Recorder/Mixer that is capable of handling large multi GB sample libraries, think Synthogy Ivory & East West Orchestra Gold.

Here's what I was thinking but feel free to chime in your 2 cents.

Mother board - (no idea on manufacture/models)
Ram - 2 Gigs with expandability to 4 (no idea on manufacture/models)
3 hard drives - 1 for programs 200gb+, 2 for samples with at least 600gbs combined. (no idea on manufacture/models)
Antech Sonata I or II for case (comes with a power supply right?)
Intel or AMD (really no Idea here)
DVD RW DL (Not Sure)
Windows XP
Basic Graphics card with 2 monitor outs

Let me know if I forgot something (already have a monitor/keyboard/mouse)

The only thing besides audio production this will be used for would be for photography. Not gaming or anything like that. Parts that produce less noise are Ideal, but were looking for a good cost/value/performance mix that is dependable at getting the job done with out going overboard. This does not have to be an enthusiast machine.

Cost can't go any higher than $1200 not including monitor/accessories, but cheaper is better and preferably around $800 or less if possible. Basically if there is a good reason to spend a little more we'll do it, but if it's not necessary we'd rather put the extra money towards a better audio interface and microphones.

Thank you for your time and let me know what you suggest.

Mongoo

 

[Mongoo13]

Okay, maybe thats a little much for you all. Lets just start with the CPU. I saw the entry level gaming cpu was the Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 (2.2ghz 65w allendale 2mb L2) It's only $127. I figure the CPU is going to be worth spending a little more on so...

1) Is Intel better to go with than AMD for Audio Recording?
2) What are a few options in Intell Chips that are say up to $200, is there anything important you get for spending a little more?
3) A dual core chip that is 2.2ghz is really like having a 4.4ghz computer right?

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: Mongoo13
Hello, I have built a computer before with the help of this awesome board and I'm back to do the same for a friend now. I however have lost track with the state of affairs in computer technology and need your help once again to recommend stable adequate parts from todays technology.

We are building a computer to mainly serve as a Audio Multi track Recorder/Mixer that is capable of handling large multi GB sample libraries, think Synthogy Ivory & East West Orchestra Gold.

Here's what I was thinking but feel free to chime in your 2 cents.

Mother board - (no idea on manufacture/models)
Ram - 2 Gigs with expandability to 4 (no idea on manufacture/models)
3 hard drives - 1 for programs 200gb+, 2 for samples with at least 600gbs combined. (no idea on manufacture/models)
Antech Sonata I or II for case (comes with a power supply right?)
Intel or AMD (really no Idea here)
DVD RW DL (Not Sure)
Windows XP
Basic Graphics card with 2 monitor outs

Let me know if I forgot something (already have a monitor/keyboard/mouse)

The only thing besides audio production this will be used for would be for photography. Not gaming or anything like that. Parts that produce less noise are Ideal, but were looking for a good cost/value/performance mix that is dependable at getting the job done with out going overboard. This does not have to be an enthusiast machine.

Cost can't go any higher than $1200 not including monitor/accessories, but cheaper is better and preferably around $800 or less if possible. Basically if there is a good reason to spend a little more we'll do it, but if it's not necessary we'd rather put the extra money towards a better audio interface and microphones.

Thank you for your time and let me know what you suggest.

Mongoo

First off . . . .

We are building a computer to mainly serve as a Audio Multi track Recorder/Mixer

I think you have to decide which is most important: recording or mixing (assuming that 'mixing' includes encoding a finished product).

The audio interface you select for recording/mixing will have a direct impact on your overall budget. Sound processors will reduce cpu load but your system I/O will boost post production efficiency.

If you select the audio interface and subtract the cost from your $800-$1,200 budget it will be easier to help you with the rest of your hardware needs.

 

[Mongoo13]

Hey heyheybooboo, thanks for your input.

Well the whole set up is going to be around $2500 or less hopefully. The 800-$1200 was for the computer only. I don't see encoding to be an issue. The finished product will be a stereo wave file mastered for cd. What is a system I/O? Still CPU will be important for processing effects in real time. It's looking like the interface could be about 700-1000 plus audio monitors of about 400 and mics 100-350 so that leaves about $1300-750 for the computer. I think $900-$1000 is likely to happen now for a better processor.

What are your thoughts?

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: Mongoo13
Hey heyheybooboo, thanks for your input.

Well the whole set up is going to be around $2500 or less hopefully. The 800-$1200 was for the computer only. I don't see encoding to be an issue. The finished product will be a stereo wave file mastered for cd. What is a system I/O? Still CPU will be important for processing effects in real time. It's looking like the interface could be about 700-1000 plus audio monitors of about 400 and mics 100-350 so that leaves about $1300-750 for the computer. I think $900-$1000 is likely to happen now for a better processor.

What are your thoughts?

I/O = Input / Output = the transfer of information between disk systems, memory & cpu

Still CPU will be important for processing effects in real time.

I'm probably not the guy to assist you with the application of effects in real-time recording. This is going beyond my pay grade but if this is your direction I/O is becoming more critical as is the capability of your software - multithreads in parallel, more ram, more cpu, more (faster!) disks . . .

Will your software run multiple threads in parallel? If so a Q6600 at 2.4GHz is around $265. If your software cannot run parallel threads across four cores - - - - for the same price a C2 E6850 at 3.00GHz may be a better choice in the application of 'real time' effects simply because of the clock speed of the cpu.

Encoding is an issue in that audio encoding software is capable and can provide a 'Red Book' CD ready for mass duplication using multiple threads in parallel across as many cores as you can throw at it (in most cases).

I am under the impression (granted I've only done 2 'audio' boxes) that the application of effects is best left in post production. Maybe I don't have a complete grasp of your intentions but my limited understanding leads me to consider a 2p workstation board - - starting with a single s771 Xeon cpu - - if you free up around $1,300 for your hardware. The system could then 'grow' along with you and your future needs.

If s775 is your preference and your budget falls to the lower end it becomes a little more difficult to recommend something for you. With consideration to the CPUs above, you need to consider your software and OS and how it will limit you. 64-bit is clearly open to you and that brings RAM > 3Gb into play. I know you can get 64-bit Cakewalk Sonar but I'm not sure about software like Cubase, etc . . .

Let us know a little more as to your direction, hardware and software . . .